| ‘Feed Me Now and Evermore’
John Hughes and the writing
of Cwm Rhondda
The melody to the hymn Cwm Rhondda was composed by John Hughes, for Capel Rhondda in Hopkinstown, near Pontypridd in 1907. For most of the 100 years since it was first performed, Cwm Rhondda has been recognised world wide as Wales's ‘unofficial’ second national anthem. In celebrating Cwm Rhondda we are also praising the great cultural heritage of Wales. No other congregational hymn has been more closely associated with the country of its origin or the embodiment of that land’s spirit or hwyl than Cwm Rhondda. Whether we think of Wales as the Land of Song or as the heartland of a proud rugby tradition, it is impossible to ignore the impact this robust and striking melody has had on the Welsh psyche.
From within the world's greatest sporting arenas and concert stages, the melody of Cwm Rhondda, more recognisably known as Bread of Heaven, has roused the passions of athletes, performers and audiences alike. From its humble beginnings in a small valley chapel it has developed into one of the world’s most famous hymn tunes. |
